A mother steps into daycare, balancing a diaper bag and her six-month-old in her arms. The baby’s wide eyes take in the room from beneath a small, snug cranial helmet—a device meant to correct the gentle asymmetry of his growing skull. As she passes him to the caregiver, there’s a pause—a flicker of hesitation.
“Does he have special needs?” the caregiver asks, glancing uncertainly at the helmet.
This isn’t an unusual moment. Many parents of helmet-wearing babies run into similar reactions. Though prescribed by doctors and relatively common, cranial helmets still raise eyebrows in daycare settings. For parents, this means educating the daycare center about the process and ensuring their child is treated with the same understanding and care as any other infant.
Why Do Babies Wear These Helmets Anyway?
Cranial orthoses (or simply “helmets,” as most parents refer to them) are used to gently reshape a baby’s head when conditions such as plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) or brachycephaly (widened skull) develop. The treatment isn’t painful, and it takes effect gradually over several months. Since these helmets are typically worn 23 hours a day, they become an ever-present part of a baby’s routine—though that doesn’t mean they’re familiar to everyone.
This unfamiliarity can lead to uncertainty for daycare providers. Are these helmets medical devices that require special care? Can babies still sleep comfortably in them? What if another child pulls at it? While understandable, these concerns often mean parents must step in and educate caregivers.
The Daycare Struggles Parents Don’t Expect
Staff Uncertainty and Misconceptions
Most daycare providers aren’t trained to recognize or handle cranial helmets. Some assume they’re tied to developmental delays, while others may worry about liability. As a result, a daycare might hesitate to accept a helmet-wearing baby—or treat them with unnecessary caution.
The Nap Time Dilemma
Naps are sacred in daycare, but for helmet-wearing babies, they come with an added concern: Will the staff remove the helmet for “comfort”? Since these helmets are designed to be worn for approximately 22-23 hours per day, removing them too often can slow progress and cause issues with the helmet fit. Parents must ensure daycare staff understand that removing the helmet during naps isn’t typically necessary.
Social Reactions—From Other Kids and Adults
Most babies don’t notice their helmets, but other kids. That’s a different story. Curious toddlers might reach out and tug at it, while adults may unknowingly treat the child differently. Some parents worry that their baby will be singled out, even unintentionally. Encouraging daycare providers to educate children about helmets can help normalize their use.
Overheating and Cleanliness Myths
There’s a common fear that these helmets trap heat, making babies uncomfortably warm. While they do add a layer, they’re designed with ventilation to prevent overheating. Another concern? Hygiene. Helmets require regular wiping to keep them clean and fresh, but some caregivers may not realize how simple it is to maintain them.
Choosing a Daycare, That’s Helmet-Friendly
Not all daycare centers are equipped to handle medical accessories, but asking the right questions can make a difference:
✅ Have you cared for a baby with a cranial helmet before? Even if they haven’t, are they open to learning?
✅ How do you approach medical devices in infants? Their general policies can give insight into their willingness to accommodate unique needs.
✅ What are your nap time protocols? Ensuring the staff won’t remove the helmet unnecessarily is key.
✅ Do caregivers have training in infant development? Those with motor skills are more likely to handle positioning and movement correctly.
How Parents Can Advocate Without Being Overbearing
Many parents hesitate to bring up concerns, fearing they will seem overly demanding. However, transparent and open conversations can prevent misunderstandings before they occur. Some parents provide printed materials from doctors or orthotic specialists. Others schedule a quick demo with caregivers, showing how to handle the helmet properly. A little preparation can go a long way. Parents can make a copy of the instructions provided by their orthotist and offer it to the daycare staff.
A Call for Greater Awareness
Daycare providers will need to catch up with the increasing number of babies undergoing helmet therapy. Pediatric experts suggest that childcare licensing programs include basic training on standard infant medical devices, including cranial helmets, to prevent unnecessary confusion or hesitation.
A cranial helmet is just another part of a baby’s journey that shouldn’t stand in the way of receiving excellent care. While it may take a few conversations (and a bit of patience), parents and caregivers working together can ensure that these little ones get what they need: a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive—helmet and all.
The Cranial Center of New Jersey is one of the first and finest cranial centers on the East Coast, specializing in early intervention cranial and helmet therapy. Cranial Center was the first to offer the STARband™ scanner and helmets in New Jersey and the third company in the world with 3-D technology. Owned and operated by Stuart Weiner, CPO, the Cranial Center is certified by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics. Our facilities are conveniently located across New Jersey: Hackensack, Hazlet, and Morristown. Contact us for a complimentary consultation at 800 685 9116 or at info@cranialcenter.com
